Recently, a new post has begun circulating Facebook urging readers to disregard the relationship Publix has with Adam Putnam, and instead focus on the beneficial impact that the Publix Corporation has had on the communities they serve.
It's hard to just disregard this relationship they have with Adam Putnam, the Republican candidate for Florida Governor who proudly supports the National Rifle Association, plans to "lower" taxes and "create" jobs, and wants to continue to revert Obama's EPA guidelines in an effort to stop "killing Florida jobs." In fact, I cannot ignore this sponsorship because Publix has publicly donated approximately $670,000 to this man's campaign which led to an intense backlash and plans for a Publix boycott this past Memorial Day weekend.
If the backlash against Publix's choice to donate money to Putnam's campaign is confusing to you, please consider the statements and platform he actively spouts to his supporters; while simultaneously trying to secure funds for the mental health treatment of veterans, on his website Putnam boasts:
"[I] expedited over 75,000 Florida concealed weapon license applications for active military members and veterans. [I] believe [that] if you carried a gun in Iraq, you should be able to own one at home."
The expediting of concealed weapons license applications for veterans should not be a bragging point for this gubernatorial campaign, especially since the veteran population of our country is among the highest in terms of suicide rates and other mental health issues. By providing veterans expedited gun licenses rather than proper background checks, that rate has a statistically higher chance to increase over the next few years if this man is elected.
Among other issues related to both Adam Putnam and the financial support, he has received from Publix, his complete loyalty and support of the NRA in a state that was afflicted by two major instances of gun violence over the past two years is disturbing. This lack of respect for the victims of gun violence in both the Pulse massacre and the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas in itself is why many Publix shoppers are taking a pause before deciding where their next grocery trip stop will be.
While I do acknowledge the positive effects brought to our economy through the support and efforts of the Publix Corporation all throughout Florida, I refuse to have that be the trade-off for my having to indirectly support a candidate with such a repulsive campaign platform. An ultimatum like this should never be made by a large company such as Publix, however, at the moment I am conflicted between the choice to support my local community by shopping at Publix, or finding a new grocery store that does not financially support puppets of the NRA.
Whatever your beliefs on the matter, do not disregard this argument for why people are upset about Publix's recent political campaign contribution. After reading my take on this issue, some may consider me to be a snowflake raised by a generation of Social Justice Warriors. Just remember that it is those same people who are getting offended by my choice to take my money elsewhere.
